Five of the Greatest British Power Boats

British powerboats have a long and proud history. Built for style, innovation, and adventure; these boats are more than just fast machines; they represent the skill, passion, and ambition of the people who designed and built them. In this article, we take a look at five of the greatest powerboats ever made in Britain. Making their mark on the water and in the history books, these yachts show the world what British boatbuilding is all about.

1. Hunton XRS 43

Making its debut on the big screen in the Hollywood action film ‘Sahara’, the Hunton XRS 43 had the dubious honour of being blown to pieces - and while we all love a good explosion on the telly, it may have irked true British boat fanatics, as Hunton is one of our nation’s most revered boat builders, and the perfect place to start our list of the Greatest British Power Boats. In the XRS 43, you’ll find a race-inspired stepped hull that conceals a spacious saloon, separate heads and shower, a well-designed galley, and a double berth. Finishes are delectable, featuring leather upholstery, teak decking, and bespoke design elements. With four twin-rig engine options (including petrol and diesel, surface drives, and joystick control) reaching speeds of up to 68 knots, crossing the Channel for a leisurely Continental breakfast isn’t just possible - it’s realistically achievable in this yacht! Although Hunton ceased operations in 2015 and was relaunched as “Hunton Yachts” in 2016, the fact that there has been no word from this builder since 2019 suggests that we might not be seeing any new vessels for some time. However, in the meantime, you can still find second-hand XRS 43s right here on YachtWorld.

2. Pascoe SY10

Mark Pascoe is a heroic Brit - as blunt as he is engaging and as capable a boat builder as he was a powerboat racer. Servicing some of the biggest, best, and most beautiful mega yachts in the world, the Pascoe International SY10 remains the flagship craft - an Open Guest Tender that seats up to 12 guests and really gets the pulse racing, whether you’re aboard or simply watching it come ashore! Combining uncompromising dynamic potency with a degree of superyacht-style attention to detail that was largely unprecedented in British RIB manufacturing, the Pascoe range now includes luxurious enclosed Limousines, Open Guest Tenders, Chase Tenders, Beachlanders, SOLAS Rescue Tenders, and task-specific workboats including specialist wash-down crafts & Catamarans. The SY10 features a famously successful Ocke Manerfelt B28 racing hull allied to a superstructure styled by Ken Freivokh, it remains a fiercely potent and delightfully intoxicating thoroughbred, managed in-house at the dedicated facility on the River Hamble. Want to make an impression? Find new and used Pascoe yachts and tenders right here at YachtWorld.

3. Bladerunner 51

Even before David Beckham used a Bladerunner to carry the Olympic Torch up the River Thames, Ice Marine’s spectacular fleet of powerboats had won worldwide renown - and the flagship 51 is a particularly impressive piece of work. In addition to the dramatic ‘trimaran’ style design (with central hull, deep tunnels, and a pair of sweeping lateral sponsons), the 51 uses twin 1,000hp Caterpillar C18 inboard engines and Arneson surface drives to generate a top speed in excess of 65 knots. Little wonder that, in 2005, this remarkable boat smashed the Round Britain World Record, completing the 1,691-mile route in just 27 hours and 10 minutes - beating the previous record by nearly four hours!

4. Humphreys C-Boat C-9M

The C-Boat is a craft worthy of inclusion alongside some of the world’s undisputed greats. The original HYD C-Boat (the C-9) is a nine-metre, 45-knot, jet-powered cabin boat, built from carbon, Nomex, and Corecell. Weighing in at just 1,200kg, it brings together the style of a classic launch with the performance of a modern sports boat to tremendous effect. The boat was commissioned in early 2008 by the infamous round-the-world sailor and racing boat builder Jason Carrington, designed and built by HYD, with a vision of combining HYD’s expertise with “the art and science of raceboat build technology” to create a craft dripping in luxury, with an enormous range of 800 miles, build quality to drool over, looks to die for, and almost peerless exclusivity. If you want something larger, there are another five equally beautiful boats in the C-Boat range, topping out with the 17-metre flagship.

5. Sunseeker 155

Okay, so it’s not fast by powerboat standards and nor is it likely to take your breath away. But Sunseeker is Britain’s most famous builder of leisure boats for good reason - and seeing as the 155 is the marque’s undisputed flagship, it is a vessel well worthy of our list. As the first-ever semi-displacement, round-bilge, long-keel hull from Sunseeker, the tri-deck 155 boasts an epic 4,500 nautical mile range and a profound series of personal customisation options - allowing owners to influence not just the interior arrangement but also the design of the superstructure. The Sunseeker 155 boasts a comfortable cruising speed of 20 knots or more. Its sleek structural angles, modern and dynamic, are evident whether the yacht is out to sea, at anchor, or moored at port. Plus, with a sterling reputation, Sunseeker are a class act all the way. Find new and used Sunseeker yachts for sale at YachtWorld. Want to see more of the world's best boats? Try The 10 Sexiest Power Boats in the World and Top 10 Fantasy Boats. Editor's Note: This article was originally published by Alex Smith in March 2013, most recently updated by Pippa Shaw in July 2025.